Tanker Careers

By Captain Mike · 50 years at sea · Tankerman-PIC instructor
Requirements checked against 46 CFR Part 13 · September 2026

What kinds of tank vessels are there?

Product tankers carry refined fuels like gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. Crude tankers move unrefined oil. Chemical tankers carry many different liquid cargoes in coated or stainless tanks at once. Gas carriers move liquefied natural gas (LNG) or petroleum gases (LPG) under pressure or at very low temperatures. On U.S. waters, a large share of the work is on tank barges and ATBs pushed or pulled by tugs — see Tugboats & Towing.

Who works aboard?

Master & Deck Officers

Navigation and command. On tankers the Chief Mate usually runs cargo operations.

Engineers

Main propulsion, cargo pumps, inert gas, and ballast systems.

Pumpman

On some ships, maintains cargo pumps and piping and assists with transfers.

AB & OS

Watchkeeping, mooring, hose handling, and deck maintenance.

QMED

Unlicensed engine room ratings supporting the engineers.

Person in Charge (PIC)

Supervises cargo transfers. On tank barges this is often a tankerman on the tug or barge crew.

How do I get there?

The officer ladder is the same as on any ship: OS → Able Seafarer → Third Mate → Second Mate → Chief Mate → Master on deck, or Wiper → QMED → Third Assistant Engineer → Chief Engineer below. What's different on tankers is the tank vessel endorsements stacked on top.

Entry: TWIC, MMC, and basic trainingGet your credential and your first job as OS or wiper. TWIC & First MMC →

Able Seafarer or QMEDThe working ratings aboard. OS to Able Seafarer →

Tank vessel endorsementTank Vessel-Assistant, then Tank Vessel-PIC (formerly Tankerman). PIC requires 90 days of service on tankships carrying the cargo, at least 10 cargo transfers, an approved firefighting course, and an approved Dangerous Liquids or Liquefied Gases course. 46 CFR 13.201–13.203

STCW tanker endorsementsSeagoing tank ships require Basic Oil and Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations; officers responsible for cargo need the Advanced endorsement for their cargo type. 46 CFR Part 13

Officer licenseThird Mate or Third Assistant Engineer, then up the ladder. AB to Third Mate →

The 10 transfers are specific: five loadings and five discharges, including two commencements and two completions of each. Log every transfer with the date, port, cargo, and who signed — you'll need it.

Credentials you may need

TWICMMCMedical CertificateDrug testingSTCW Basic TrainingTank Vessel-Assistant / PICBasic & Advanced Tanker Cargo OpsAdvanced Firefighting (officers)

Benzene surveillance. Some tanker assignments also require benzene medical surveillance, the "benzene card." It's separate from your Coast Guard medical certificate and your Tankerman endorsement. See Tanker work: benzene medical surveillance.

What is the work like?

Rotation: U.S.-flag coastwise tankers commonly run a few months on and an equal or shorter period off; tank barge and ATB crews often work shorter hitches. Ask each company.
Cargo work is intense: Port calls are short and busy. Loading and discharge run around the clock.
Safety culture is strict: Vetting inspections by oil companies, permit-to-work systems, gas testing, and zero tolerance for shortcuts.
Career value: Tanker experience and tank vessel endorsements are respected across the industry and open doors on barges, ATBs, and offshore.

Traps that cost tanker mariners months

Not documenting transfers as you go. Trying to reconstruct them a year later rarely works.
Letting the firefighting or tank vessel course go past five years before you apply.
Assuming a Dangerous Liquids endorsement covers liquefied gas cargo. It doesn't — they are separate.

Typical earnings

Pay depends on company, union or non-union, vessel type, rating or license, and rotation. We are gathering sourced ranges and will add them with a date.

Ready for your PIC? Service, transfers, the letter, and renewal in one place. Tank Vessel-PIC / Tank Barge-PIC guide (formerly Tankerman) →

Want to work toward this career?

Start with the step in front of you.

Get my TWIC & first MMC Free AB Study Guide Related: Oil Spill Response

Sources

Before you file: Confirm every requirement against the current NMC checklist for the endorsement you're applying for.